Field Intelligence

Featuring Monarch Tractor, The Reservoir, CLAAS, Razor Tracking, John Deere, Solinftec, Ecobloom, Aranet, Nature Fresh Farms, Revol Greens, INNOFarms.AI, Veggitech, LI-COR, Ceres Greenhouse Solutions, BDC Capital, Amazon, Arable, Biotalys, Moa Technology and Hylio.

Author

Diletta Di Iorio
August 29, 2025

Good morning, growers,

This week’s digest highlights momentum across autonomy, robotics, smart infrastructure, and sustainable agtech. Hylio’s Arthur Erickson shares how the company evolved from a dorm-room startup to a leader in ag drones. Monarch Tractor expands its AI-powered platform with a new CRO, while John Deere strengthens its autonomy portfolio with GUSS Automation. Solinftec unveils smarter robotics and 24/7 operation for the 2025 season.

We also cover key partnerships and platform expansions: Ecobloom and Aranet enhance indoor farming insights, Nature Fresh Farms and Revol Greens scale leafy green production, and The Reservoir partners with John Deere to launch a collaborative AgTech hub. Additional updates from LI-COR, CLAAS, Biotalys, BDC Capital, Amazon, and others showcase the industry's ongoing shift toward connected, data-driven, and ROI-focused solutions.

A warm welcome to our new iGrow Network members. We’re glad to have you on board and look forward to keeping you updated on the latest innovations, opportunities, and trends in AgTech. Not a member yet? Register now to join the network.

What We Are Covering Today:

Estimated Reading Time: 6 - 7 minutes

🎧 Prefer listening over reading?

Catch the full recap on this week’s AgTech Digest Podcast—available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

Don’t miss our next live session: From Idea to Field – How Startups Can Secure Successful Field Trials.

Danny Bernstein, CEO of The Reservoir, will share how California’s first on-farm incubator is helping AgTech startups validate their solutions in real-world conditions. Learn how to identify the right trial partners, avoid common pitfalls, and turn field data into investor-ready results.

AGRITECH & PRECISION AGRICULTURE
AgTech & Precision agriculture Highlights: New Initiative, New Partnership & More!

Monarch Tractor Appoints CRO to Drive Autonomous Platform Growth

  • Monarch Tractor has appointed Steve Peck as Chief Revenue Officer to lead sales and expansion.

  • The MonarchOne platform enables OEMs to deploy scalable autonomy across ag, construction, and off-highway sectors.

  • Features include embedded software, energy management, and real-time data intelligence.

  • Monarch is collaborating with OEMs like Ag Growth International to advance connected, autonomous equipment adoption.

The Reservoir Opens On-Farm Innovation Hub in Salinas

  • The Reservoir has launched its first AgTech innovation hub in Salinas, California.

  • The hub offers startups access to growers, testing grounds, and pilot opportunities for specialty crops.

  • Over 200 stakeholders attended the launch event.

  • A strategic partnership with John Deere will provide residents access to equipment, technology, and pilot programs.

  • The project aims to serve as an “Olympic Village of AgTech” for collaborative problem-solving.

CLAAS and Razor Tracking Partner for Integrated Fleet Management

  • CLAAS has partnered with Razor Tracking to deliver joint fleet management solutions.

  • Users can view assets and equipment in both Razor Tracking and CLAAS connect platforms.

  • Data includes GPS, fuel levels, engine status, weather overlays, and equipment history.

  • The integration supports more efficient logistics and cost-effective operations for growers.

John Deere Acquires GUSS Automation for High-Value Crop Autonomy

  • John Deere has completed its acquisition of GUSS Automation, a maker of autonomous sprayers.

  • GUSS systems reduce labor and material waste, with remote supervision and Smart Apply® integration.

  • Over 250 GUSS units are in operation globally, covering 2.6 million acres and 500,000 autonomous hours.

  • The acquisition strengthens Deere’s high-value crop and precision ag portfolio.

Solinftec Expands Solix Robots with Smarter Features and New States

  • Solinftec is deploying Solix AG Robotics in Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Texas for 2025.

  • New features include Discovery Mode, obstacle detection, and Starlink-enabled connectivity.

  • Solix robots can reduce herbicide use by up to 95% and deliver real-time agronomic insights.

  • A solar-powered autonomous Refill Station enables continuous, 24/7 field operation.

  • Future concepts focus on better traction, structural performance, and operating speed.

INTERVIEW
Arthur Erickson on Hylio’s Path from Startup to Ag Drone Pioneer

  • Originally focused on multi-purpose drones, Hylio pivoted to agriculture after seeing strong demand from farmers in Central America seeking practical solutions for small, uneven fields.

  • Erickson credits FAA regulatory clarity since 2019 for unlocking growth in the U.S., where Hylio now conducts the vast majority of its business across key crop types like corn, soybeans, and cotton.

  • Hylio’s software emphasizes ease-of-use, while its data policy ensures farmers retain full ownership of operational data—a model Erickson sees as vital to long-term trust.

  • He warns that aggressive pricing by overseas competitors risks undercutting innovation, urging the industry to prioritize sustainable, value-driven progress.

  • Looking to 2030, Erickson envisions Hylio as a leader in autonomous drones and AI-powered crop analytics, with potential applications beyond agriculture.

Read the complete interview here.

PLANT SCIENCE & AGRIBUSINESS
Plant Science & Agribusiness Updates: New Initiative, Innovation & More!

BDC Capital – Industrial Innovation Venture Fund II

  • BDC Capital has launched a $200 million Industrial Innovation Venture Fund II.

  • The fund supports Canadian startups in ag-tech, food-tech, and critical minerals.

  • It aims to address productivity gaps and enhance Canada’s global competitiveness.

  • The initiative builds on Fund I, which supported over 20 companies with measurable productivity gains.

  • Fund II will target technologies including robotics, automation, applied AI, and industrial software.

Amazon and Arable – Mississippi Water Replenishment Project

  • Amazon and Arable have launched a water replenishment project in Mississippi.

  • The project aims to reduce agricultural water withdrawals by 150 million gallons annually.

  • Arable Mark 3 sensors, powered by Amazon Web Services, provide real-time irrigation insights.

  • The initiative complements Mississippi State University's Master Irrigator training program.

  • It supports Amazon’s broader goal of becoming water-positive by 2030.

Biotalys – EVOCA™ Regulatory Update

  • Biotalys received updated guidance from the U.S. EPA on its protein-based biocontrol product, EVOCA™.

  • The EPA review is ongoing, with final steps expected in Q4 2025.

  • This timeline is later than Biotalys’ previously anticipated September decision.

  • EVOCA targets Botrytis and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables.

  • The product is designed for use in spray rotation programs, and Biotalys remains optimistic about approval.

Moa Technology and Gowan Company – Herbicide Innovation

  • Moa Technology has discovered new weed control chemistries and amplifier molecules.

  • The company is partnering with Gowan Company to develop sustainable herbicide solutions.

  • These innovations aim to reduce herbicide usage by enhancing effectiveness.

  • The first amplifier product tied to a specific active ingredient is under development.

  • Field trials are being conducted in Australia and the UK to assess control of major grassweeds.

CEA
CEA Updates: New Partnership, New Initiatives & More!

Ecobloom and Aranet Partnership

  • Ecobloom has partnered with Aranet to integrate environmental sensors into its EcoSense platform.

  • The integration enables growers to connect existing Aranet infrastructure with Ecobloom’s monitoring system.

  • The collaboration merges Aranet's sensor accuracy with Ecobloom’s AI-powered insights.

  • The goal is to deliver actionable data and enhance decision-making in indoor farming.

  • The partnership emphasizes the balance between human expertise and technology in agriculture.

Nature Fresh Farms and Revol Greens Collaboration

  • Nature Fresh Farms and Revol Greens are launching organic and conventional packaged salads.

  • The partnership combines Revol Greens’ controlled environment agriculture (CEA) expertise with Nature Fresh Farms' market reach.

  • The companies are targeting growth in the CEA leafy greens segment.

  • CEA is seen as a platform for innovation and added consumer value in leafy greens.

  • Both partners expect greenhouse-grown leafy greens to become a mainstream market choice.

INNOFarms.AI and Veggitech MoU

  • INNOFarms.AI and Veggitech have signed a strategic MoU to develop agtech solutions in the UAE and GCC.

  • The collaboration focuses on creating SmartFarms using hydroponics and digital technologies.

  • The initiative aims to support sustainable and intelligent agriculture practices in the Gulf region.

  • The partnership reflects broader investment trends in technology-driven farming in the area.

LI-COR HOBO® Data Loggers Launch

  • LI-COR has introduced two new HOBO® Data Loggers: the MX2308 and MX2309.

  • MX2308 monitors temperature and relative humidity, while MX2309 measures solar radiation via a LI-COR pyranometer.

  • Both models feature automated calculations and are designed for ease of deployment and data retrieval.

  • The products target growers, researchers, and agtech professionals focused on precision environmental monitoring.

Ceres Greenhouse Solutions Project in Wisconsin

  • Ceres Greenhouse Solutions has completed an aquaponic greenhouse for the Forest County Potawatomi tribe.

  • The 30' x 78' HighYield Kit greenhouse can produce up to 75,000 leafy greens and 1,000 pounds of fish annually.

  • The facility supports the Tribal Elder Food Box Program, serving 12 tribes across Wisconsin.

  • It incorporates aquaponic systems from The Aquaponic Source™ and is built to endure harsh winter conditions..

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OTHER NEWS
Other Updates: New Initiative, New Program & More!

  • Heifer International concluded multi-year investments in Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative (GRFC) and Cypress Valley Meat Company (CVMC). CVMC expanded from three to six facilities, now serving nearly 3,000 farmers in 12 states. GRFC shifted to a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model, connecting farmers with customers nationwide.

  • LeafWorks introduces DNA-based Ingredient Quantification Testing, beginning with mushroom blends.New assay helps brands verify ingredient composition in multi-species products with quantitative accuracy.Testing supports 21 CFR 111 regulatory compliance and reduces risk of costly recalls.

  • Origin Agritech has begun full-scale seed processing at its Xinjiang production and processing facility for the 2025 season. The facility is fully automated, handling cleaning, drying, threshing, sorting, coating, and packaging. Xinjiang’s climate and solar resources provide an ideal environment for high-quality seed production.

  • POET signed an agreement to acquire Green Plains Obion, a bioethanol facility in Tennessee. The acquisition increases the company’s annual bioethanol production capacity by 120 million gallons. With the addition, the company’s network expands to 35 bioprocessing facilities across nine U.S. states.

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